Rep. Claman’s Newsletter: PFD Application Reminder and More on the Budget
As the legislative session continues, I am committed to keeping you updated on efforts to address Alaska’s fiscal challenges. The House Finance Committee is considering House Bill 249, which will raise motor fuel tax rates on vehicles, vessels, and aircraft. HB 249 is one of nine different revenue proposals recommended by the Walker-Mallott administration as part of its “complete solution to our fiscal situation.”
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VIDEO: AIDC Press Availability March 29, 2016
Press availability from March 29th, 2016 featuring Representatives Chris Tuck (D-Anchorage), Dan Ortiz (I-Ketchikan), and Matt Claman (D-Anchorage).
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Rep. Claman’s Newsletter: Criminal Justice Reform and the Upcoming Municipal Election
We are all saddened by the senseless injury and loss of life in the terrorist bombings on Tuesday morning in Brussels. My heart goes out to all whose family and loved ones were killed or injured by the horrendous attacks. Our thoughts are with the people of Belgium.
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NEWS: House Approves Bill Originally Crafted by the Late Rep. Max Gruenberg
Juneau – Today, the Alaska House of Representatives passed House Bill 273 to simplify, speed up, and lower the cost of vehicle transfers on death. HB 273 will allow a vehicle owner to file an application with the Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to designate a beneficiary to take title of a vehicle upon the death of the owner.
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Rep. Claman’s Newsletter: Cash Flow Restructuring Models
Now that the House and Senate have both passed an operating budget, the next question is “How do we fund state government?” We did not look at cost savings and revenue generation at the same time, which means we have a lot of work to do with only 30 days left in the session. West Anchorage constituents have told me that we can’t kick the can down the road and hope that the price of oil goes up. We need a responsible action plan for Alaska—and we need it this year.
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Rep. Claman’s Newsletter: House Passes Operating Budget
The House debated the budget until early this morning, which finally passed around 3am. The House consider several amendments, which included additional cost savings as well as funding for programs benefitting seniors, early childhood education, and public safety.
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NEWS: Democrats in the Alaska House of Representatives Will Quickly Consider Governor Walker’s Choice for House District 16 State Representative
Juneau – The Democrats in the Alaska House of Representatives will meet as soon as possible to deliberate on Governor Walker’s choice of Ivy Spohnholz to replace the late Representative Max Gruenberg as the Representative for House District 16.
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NEWS: Life-Saving Legislation Passed to Help Respond to Epidemic of Heroin Use in Alaska
Juneau – Today, the Alaska House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 23 by a vote of 36-0. The bill, sponsored by Senator Johnny Ellis (D-Anchorage), passed the Alaska Senate last year by a vote of 19-1.
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Rep. Claman’s Newsletter: Constituent Survey Results and Medicaid Lawsuit Update
Thank you to everyone who completed our constituent survey! Your feedback is very helpful as we work through the state’s budget challenges. There are still several opportunities to share your perspective at hearings on the budget and the Governor’s revenue bills. I will keep you notified as more opportunities become available. Currently, no public testimony has been scheduled for
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NEWS: Lawmakers Applaud Today’s Superior Court Decision to Dismiss Ill-Advised Lawsuit Over Medicaid Expansion in Alaska
Juneau - Today, Superior Court Judge Frank Pfiffner issued a ruling in the case brought by the Alaska Legislative Council against Alaska Governor Bill Walker over his decision last year to expand Medicaid without legislative approval. Judge Pfiffner found that the Social Security Act requires Medicaid expansion, and that existing state law required Governor Walker to provide Medicaid to the group of Alaskans eligible for expansion. In his 26-page ruling, Judge Pfiffner granted the Governor’s motion for summary judgement and dismissed the case brought by the Alaska Legislative Council, which is made up of ten members of the Alaska Legislature.
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